Saturday, February 5, 2011

Spanakopita Puffs

With game day almost here,we are all looking for some fun & delicious nibbles for our table.Well,here is a new twist on an old favorite.The difference here is that I use puff pastry instead of phyllo dough.It is a lot easier to work with,and a lot less tedious to put together.Here is what you need:
1 10oz. package of frozen spinach,thawed and drained
1 medium onion(1/2 c.),finely chopped
1 clove of garlic,finely chopped
1/2 tsp.dried oregano
1-1/2-2c. feta cheese(depending on your taste)
1 package of puff pastry
1/4 stick of melted butter,plus 1 tbsp. for skillet
Melt 1 tbsp. of butter in a skillet,and saute the spinach,onion & garlic until onions are translucent.Press the mixture into a colander to drain all excess liquid.In a mixing bowl, combine the spinach mixture wih the feta,and oregano.

Unfold one of the puff pastry sheets.Cut into 16 squares as shown above.Stretch each square slightly and place one tbsp. of filling in the center.Fold the sides in(like an envelope) and bring together in the center and twist.Shape into a circle.
Place on a parchment lined baking sheet,twisted side down, and brush with melted butter.Bake at 375 degrees until puffed and golden,about 15 minutes.

This recipe makes about 32 appetizers.
***This recipe can be made ahead and frozen before baking.After filling the puffs and forming into circles,place on a baking sheet and place in the freezer for 30 minutes.Once frozen,remove and store in a freezer bag until ready to bake.Do not thaw before baking.You may need approximately 10 extra minutes on the baking time.Store up to 2 months.